TransLink warns commuters to "expect some service delays" due to snow

If your transit commute is a bit slower than usual this morning, blame it on the snow.

TransLink is warning customers to “expect some service disruptions throughout the day” due to the current Snowfall Warning in effect for Metro Vancouver.

Due to snowy & icy weather, please dress for the elements, wear proper footwear and expect some service disruptions throughout the day. There may be extra crowding on some routes due to additional passengers & some 60’ buses will be changed to 40’ where possible. ^kv

— TransLink BC (@TransLink) January 10, 2020

TransLink has already documented some bus delays due to weather on its Twitter page.

#RiderAlert 153 Coquitlam Central Station detour 6:25am. Via Brunette, Marmont Rochester, Schoolhouse, Austin, Porier regular routedue to road conditions^RR

— TransLink BC (@TransLink) January 10, 2020

#RiderAlert 153 Braid Station detour 6:25am. Via Poirier, Austin, Schoolhouse, Rochester, Marmont, Brunette resume regular route due to road conditions.^RR

— TransLink BC (@TransLink) January 10, 2020

#RiderAlert 555 Lougheed Station/Carvolth Exchange service is experiencing delays up to 30 minutes due to traffic congestion.^RR

— TransLink BC (@TransLink) January 10, 2020

Currently, SkyTrain routes appear to be operating normally.

TransLink spokesperson, Jill Drews, told Daily Hive that there are some “spotty delays” on some bus routes “related to road conditions, but nothing severe or unexpected.”

“This is constantly changing as roads are cleared. Customers should check their route before they go,” she added.

TransLink activated its snow plan on Thursday to prepare for the winter weather conditions.

• See also:
  • Snowfall warning remains in effect for Metro Vancouver
  • It’s going to feel like -12°C in Vancouver next week
  • City of Vancouver prepares for snow and freezing temperatures

In a release, TransLink says it is planning ahead to ensure that “transit service stays as reliable as possible.”

The transportation provider says that extra staff have been called to assist customers and coordinate service, and municipalities have been contacted to coordinate snow clearing. Millennium Line trains have also been organized into four-car configurations to increase capacity while SkyTrain attendants monitor guideways.

Special trucks have been deployed to spread anti-icing solution on trolley wires, and some trolleybuses have been equipped with brass “cutters” to help slice through ice if wires are frozen.

TransLink says that if conditions are severe, it will do the following:

• Replace articulated buses with 40 conventional buses when necessary, as they are more agile on steep, slippery areas.
• Install tire socks on buses on Burnaby Mountain and on key North Shore routes where hills and traction are an issue.
• Position attendants at the front of each Expo and Millennium Lines train to improve reliability on the system by limiting emergency braking triggered by heavy snowfall.
• Run a special SkyTrain that sprays de-icer on the power rail to keep trains moving.
• Run trains through the night if snow is especially heavy, to keep tracks clear.
• Send HandyDART out with two staff per vehicle to ensure customers get safely to their door and assist in digging out the bus if required.
• Activate further staff increases to assist customers right across the system.

Customers should stay tuned to TransLink’s Twitter account for up-to-date information.